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Himalayan Geology, Vol. 31
(1), 2010, pp. 29-34, Printed in India
Geochemical dispersion pattern of heavy metal abundances in the
intermontane Pinjaur Dun, Sub-Himalaya
K.K. PUROHIT, N.K. SAINI*, P.P. KHANNA
Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehra Dun – 248001, India
Abstract: Geochemical investigations taking stream sediments as
medium were conducted in Pinjaur Dun, NW Himalaya to study the spatial
distribution of selected metals (Cu, Zn, Pb, Ni, Fe, Mn, Co, and Ti), to
determine the extent of anthropogenic input. The concentration of Pb, Zn and
Cu show relatively appreciable amount of contamination in the sediments of
Jhajra catchment in comparison to Sirsa catchment. Extent of contamination,
delineated using geo-accumulation index (I-geo) indicates that the sediments
are moderately contaminated with Cu and Zn and strongly contaminated with Pb.
Alumina normalized values in case of Pb, Zn and Cu do not show any
association with clays and indicate enrichment due to other source, probably
anthropogenic. Higher metal concentrations of Pb, Zn and Cu are found mainly
close to highly populated areas and industrial establishments, indicating
enhancement of metal concentration due to leaching of metals from garbage
and industrial sewage.
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